[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MONTVILLE POLISH CLUB

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the 75th anniversary of the Montville Polish Club. On August 30, 2008, 
the club will commemorate 75 years of history with a night of 
celebration including traditional pierogi, kielbasa, and kapusta and 
Polish dancing.
  In the midst of the Great Depression, John J. Smith, Sam Onuparik and 
John Emilyta, conceived the idea for a regional Polish-American club to 
help connect and empower citizens of Polish descent in Montville, 
Connecticut and surrounding communities. In 1932, with the help of 
Walter Walenczyk, these men were able to garner support from 33 
additional members of the community. In October of that year, the 
Montville Polish Club convened their first meeting in the Papyis Hall 
in Uncasville, Connecticut.
  In a time of great financial uncertainty, the Montville Polish Club 
offered hope and opportunity through continuity for members of the 
Polish community in eastern Connecticut. For newly arrived Polish 
immigrants, the club offered opportunities to acclimate to American 
life, providing English lessons, assistance with employment, and 
fellowship. For established Polish-American families, the club offered 
opportunity to preserve native cultures and traditions.
  Today, the club remains an integral part of the eastern Connecticut 
community, hosting picnics, plays, parties, and dances. The club has 
also proven a civic leader, sponsoring countless youth organizations.
  Madam Speaker, 75 years ago the Montville Polish Club was founded by 
a few Polish men with great hopes of bringing their community together. 
Today, with over 500 members, the club's continuity remains as strong 
as ever. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in 
recognizing and celebrating the Montville Polish Club's 75th 
anniversary.

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